Avia Solutions Group (ASG), an aviation business group run by the Lithuanian entrepreneur Gediminas Žiemelis, has ordered 80 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from Boeing, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers.
ASG said on Tuesday it had agreed on a confirmed order for 40 aircraft and a right of first refusal for a further 40 aircraft, with delivery scheduled for 2030. The amount of the deal is undisclosed.
According to the company, this is the first time in the history of aviation that an ACMI company (that leases aircraft, complete crew, maintenance and insurance) is ordering this many planes directly from a manufacturer.
According to the group, the order is part of ASG’s expansion strategy to meet airlines’ growing demand for additional capacity around the world during seasonal peaks.
“The order for new Boeing aircraft is an important strategic step that will allow us to better manage the seasonal challenges in the future. This is a record-breaking transaction that will help our group enter a new phase of sustainable growth,” said Žiemelis, board chairman of ASG, in a statement.
According to the group, airlines are short of capacity, especially during the summer season, and it is important to secure additional capacity for peak periods.
ASG’s fleet of 220 aircraft already includes 14 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft with a capacity of 189 passengers.
The group claims to be the world’s largest ACMI services group, with more than 250 companies providing a wide range of aviation services. The group employs approximately 14,000 people.
Irish-registered ASG holds 11 Air Operator Certificates allowing it to operate in more than 60 countries.
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